FAQs

How many miles per day?
Our routes travel 65-70 miles per day. Daily mileage may be affected by terrain or weather conditions. Because of these variables, and distances between towns, some days may only be 30 miles while others may be 100 miles. See specific route pages for detailed information on daily mileage.

Land's End to John O'Groats
John O'Groats to Land's End
Sea to Sea
Bike the US for MS
What route do we take?
We use the official Sea to Sea route produced by Sustrans. This is the most researched and widely used route from East to West Coast.
Bike the UK for MS has it's own route for the LEJOG and JOGLE which has been developed since the start. It keeps the riders on the safest roads possible whilst taking in the beautiful scenery of the UK.

Land's End to John O'Groats
John O'Groats to Land's End
Sea to Sea
Bike the US for MS
How much does it cost?
Many expenses will be covered by the fundraising minimum, including all overnight accommodations, tires and tubes, maps, team apparel, support vehicles, route leaders, and minor bike maintenance. Food while on the road will be your main expense and the amount spent can vary greatly depending on whether you cook at camp or grocery shop and use your food cubby or eat out for most meals. In general we recommend budgeting £20 - £30 per day for costs while on the road.

The fundraising minimum is £1/mile for LEJOG and JOGLE, and £2/mile for the Sea to Sea. For example, the LEJOG route is 1,020 miles so the fundraising minimum is £1,020. Our goal is to donate at least 50% to MS research and treatment, and to individuals for projects that facilitate independent living.

Do I need a bike?
Yes! Road/touring bikes are the best option. Road bikes are faster but aren't designed to carry the heavy loads that touring bikes are made for. Most of your belongings will be in the trailer, but it's convenient to carry some items during the day so you can be more independent. We suggest apprehending a bike that you'll be most happy with when the trip is over. Do you want a light, fast bike? Or would you prefer a commuter so you can carry heavier loads? Many different bikes have been used successfully in the past, and with proper preparation, yours will too. We are happy to chat with you about the options, send us an email.
Where do we stay at night?
We stay in campgrounds, churches and community centers. We try to keep overnight expenses to a minimum so that more of the raised funds can be given to MS organisations we support. You are always welcome to pay out-of-pocket for a hotel room even when the team has other accommodations lined up that evening.
When can I apply?
We accept applications on a rolling basis until the trips are filled, so the sooner you apply the better!
How will I know where to go?
The maps we use are specifically made for bicycle touring. They contain route information such as distances between stops, stores, restaurants and other important information about the route. Route leaders will ride with the group and assist if you have mechanical or other problems. There are planned rest stops every 20-30 miles. The support vehicles and route leaders will always be within 20-30 miles if you need assistance.
Where do I put all of my gear?
Each cyclist has a cubby box to store their belongings that is approximately 42x40x60cm. There is additional space for each cyclist to store tents, as well as a "day cubby" in the rest stop van to put items you may want to retrieve throughout the day at planned rest stops.
What kind of camping equipment do I need?
On these van supported rides you will not need the lightest and smallest (aka most expensive) gear, but you will need to fit all of your gear into a 48x29x40cm cubby. You will be happiest with equipment that keeps you dry and comfortable. Luxuries include hammocks, pillows, and other items that will fit in your cubby. There is a gear list as well as some recommended products on our Team Information page. If you have questions about gear send us an email.
Is this a fully supported bike tour?
Bike the UK for MS teams are working together to bike across the UK and rid the world of MS. You will be provided the resources, framework, and support to reach this goal. Your gear will be carried by support vehicles, your route leaders will be there to help you along the way, water stops will be set up every 20-30 miles, nightly accommodations will be ready, but the pedaling is up to you! We embrace camping to be able to donate more to those with MS. This is a van supported bike tour where roughing it is embraced, if luxury is what you seek, there may be better options.
What happens to the money we raise?
Cyclists deliver funds via bicycle to local MS support groups across the country with the MS Society. We also fund numerous projects in partnership with the MS Society. These projects include, but aren't limited to, research, exercise classes, ramps, bathrooms, stair lifts, hospital beds, grab rails, etc.
Can I claim Gift Aid on my contributions?
Yes! Bike the US for MS CIO is a UK Registered Charity with number 1172717. When making a donation, you will be asked if your donation is eligible for Gift Aid and if so you will be required to submit you home address.
How do I raise the fundraising minimum?
The online donation system makes it simple for people to donate in your name once you've created your profile on the website. Start by asking friends and family for sponsorships. Then branch out to coworkers, teammates, church members, and random strangers! There are many tips and strategies in the Fundraising Guide that you will receive once you've applied and been accepted.
Can I use a third party fundraising site to raise money?
Yes, you can use a third party site to raise funds, but there are a couple things to keep in mind. Third party sites keep some percentage of what you raise (usually 8-10%), so less of what you raise can be applied to your fundraising minimum. Fundraising through the Bike the UK for MS website ensures donations will be gift aid eligible, and 100% of what you raise is applied to your fundraising minimum.
I live outside of the UK, can I participate?
Absolutely! We have international riders every year. Biking across the UK is a great way to see the country from a unique perspective. We'd be happy to answer your questions regarding traveling with your bike, temporary cell phones, etc. Email info@biketheukforms.org. We could also arrange a Skype chat if that would be more convenient or less expensive! Username: biketheukforms
How much training / experience does the trip require?
Our cyclists range from beginners to road biking to cross-country veterans! We ask that you ride 500 miles before the trip, on the bike you plan to ride, with at least two back to back 60 mile rides or more. This will help you become familiar with your bike, your own physical abilities, and provide insight on what makes for an enjoyable 60 mile ride. Being comfortable in a range of riding conditions will make the trip more enjoyable. Additionally, failure to properly prepare may put you at an increased risk of injury due to fatigue.

This trip will be awesome! But it won't be easy. Route leaders and staff members have completed trips like this and will be happy to answer any questions you have.
Other questions?
Send us an email or give us a ring. You can also check out what our alumni have to say about their experience, advice on preparing for the ride, gear, food, training and general tips from their time on the road, on our Advice from Alumni page!
Copyright © 2018 BikeTheUKForMS
Privacy Policy/ Contact Us/ FAQs